1
KELLAN
I’m sick of always coming in last.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m very fortunate. But that's sort of how I feel as I stride down Main Street, nodding and waving to everyone I know plus a ton of others that Idon'tknow, but seem to know me.
The being recognized part comes from being a Wolfe and one of the founders of a global tech company that is growing like crazy.
The coming in last part stems from being the youngest of five brothers. It’s even worse lately – the other four have all recently found incredible girlfriends, meanwhile I'm still alone. I’m truly happy for them, but it leaves me feeling a bit down. I just wish I could meet someone, you know?
No. Not justsomeone. A woman who is interesting and beautiful and sweet. Who loves this mountain as much as I do.
Problem is, there aren't a lot of single women here in Old Hemlock Valley. Maybe I should start hanging out somewhere larger, like West Stoneburg. Yeah, I should go there for dinner soon. Simple.
Finalizing that decision makes me feel a bit brighter as I walk into Corina's Coffee and?—
All my air rushes out in an audible whoosh.
I've only been punched in the chest a couple of times in my life. Only obscenely drunk idiots would take on a guy who’s six foot four and built like, as Grandpa always says, a brick shithouse.
But this literally feels like being punched. Okay, maybe a little softly. But pressure radiates through my chest wall, heart and lungs, and my pulse begins to race. My skin feels overheated.
Who is that?
A beautiful young woman is behind the counter. I don’t get a new employee vibe. Her wavy auburn hair is tied back in a loose ponytail, and she's wearing a dark green t-shirt, not the usual staff golf shirt with the Corina's Coffee logo.
There's a dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose and on her high cheekbones. I can see them quite sharply, as I somehow suddenly find myself standing directly in front of the counter where she's lifting a pink glazed doughnut and taking a photo of it with a rather impressive looking camera.
I can’t help it. I openly stare, completely entranced as she holds the donut in front of various backgrounds: other donuts, some pastries, the glass cabinet. Then she sets it on a plate and studies everything around her thoughtfully. Then her graceful hand darts out to pick up a chocolate cinnamon cruller, and I notice her short, perfect nails with the barest hint of pale pink polish.
She catches my gaze and jumps, her beautiful greenish-blue eyes meeting mine for the first time. The sensation in my chest shifts from a punch to a heaviness. A good kind of heaviness, though. Like adding that unbelievably thick and cozy blanket in the winter.
"I'm sorry," I say gently, not wanting to startle her further with my deep voice. "I just don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone analyze their breakfast so closely."
She smiles, making my attention shift to her full, rose mouth. My God, how I want to nibble at that plush bottom lip.
"Stock photography," she explains with an adorable smile. "Don't worry – I'm not putting back the ones I've touched or anything."
I want to ask her a million questions, but I also don't want to bother her as she returns to her work. I step over to order a coffee from Alice, then turn to ask the girl, "Do you need to photograph any muffins?"
"Yes, actually."
"Great. Pick out the two you want to shoot, and when you’re done, I'll buy them."
She smiles delightedly. "Thanks!"
I lean forward to murmur to Alice, "Please put that and all her other expenses for the day on my tab."
"Sure thing, Kellan."
I take my coffee to a window seat that gives me a great view of the neighborhood. Oh, who am I kidding – I'm also angled so I can watch the auburn-haired girl work. I pull out my phone and start checking my email, restricting my glances toward the counter to once every thirty seconds or so. Maybe twenty-five.
It’s interesting. When she’s dealing with people, she’s slightly guarded. Not anxious, just…cautious.
But the minute she lifts her camera, she gets totally zoned out and comfortable. It’s as if the rest of the world disappears and there’s nothing but the shot in front of her. Honestly, I admire that level of focus. It comes naturally to some people, but not me. When I’m coding, it takes several coffees and good headphones to drown out the world.
In a few minutes, she confers with Alice, then comes over with two muffins on a plate. I have to stifle a groan from the sight of her hips as she walks. Such grace. Such casual sexiness. Even with that huge camera strapped around her neck.
